Mitch Daniels and the Right

In recent months, Indiana Governor and potential presidential candidate Mitch Daniels has come under scrutiny from some conservative groups, for suggesting the GOP call a “truce” on social issues with liberals in order to focus the country’s political efforts on more pressing fiscal issues. Daniels’ views became the inspiration for an article written by Marjorie Dannenfelser, Executive Director of the Susan B. Anthony List, an organization committed to the integration of pro-life women in political life. Danenfelser's article highlights Daniels as a political outlier within the conservative wing and claims Daniel’s views will not take root among conservatives.

However, yesterday, in the National Review, the same publication in which Dannenfelser’s article appeared, Frank Cannon sings a different tune. Cannon's article indicates Daniels’ approach may be more accepted than previously thought. Governor Daniels has been asked to deliver the keynote speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February honoring President Ronald Reagan. Cannon explains that such a move is cause to believe that the conservative right indeed views Daniels as one of their own and that he may even be the force behind change with regards to views on social issues (at least as a political bargaining tool) in the GOP.

Whether or not Cannon is right still remains to be seen. However, it is clear that many Republicans view Gov. Daniels as a serious Republican contender for President.